Tech specs: OS MacOS Monterey (MacOS 12) | CPU Apple M1 (8-core) | GPU Apple M1 (7-core or 8-core) | RAM 8GB, 16GB (unified memory) | Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB (8-core GPU models) | Screen 24-inch 4.5K Retina (4480 x 2520, 218ppi, 16:9), 1.07 billion colours, 500 nits, wide color (DCI-P3), True Tone | Wireless Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Ports and slots 2x Thunderbolt 3/USB 4, 2x USB-C (8-core GPU models), Gigabit Ethernet (8-core GPU models) | Camera 1080p FaceTime HD | Audio 3 mics, 6 speakers (2x woofers, 4x tweeters) | Dimensions 54.7cm x 46.1cm x 14.7cm (21.5in. x 18.1in. x 5.8in.) | Weight 4.46/4.48kg (9.83/9.88lbs) | Price from $1,299 (8-core CPU, 7-core GPU, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage)
Apple’s M1-based 24-inch iMac, released in May 2021, is the company’s first AIO to run on Apple Silicon. It’s also the only current iMac, Apple having discontinued its Intel-based iMac Pro in March 2021 and the 27-inch iMac in March 2022.
Built around a 24-inch 4.5K Retina display, the current iMac is impressively slim thanks to the highly integrated design of the M1 SoC (system-on-chip), with the screen panel measuring just 11.5mm thick. The entry-level configuration comes in four colors (blue, green, pink and silver), while the more expensive models (with an 8-core GPU) add yellow, orange and purple to the palette.
Read the review: Apple iMac 24-inch (M1, 2021) review
There are three off-the-page configurations, starting at $1,299 for a model with an 8-core CPU and 7-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, two Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 ports and a Magic Keyboard. Stepping up to $1,499 buys you an 8-core GPU, two more on-board (USB-C) ports and a Gigabit Ethernet port built into the power supply, plus Touch ID on the Magic Keyboard. The $1,699 model has 512GB of storage. A fully maxed-out configuration (16GB RAM, 2TB storage, Magic Mouse+Magic Trackpad, Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and numeric keypad) costs $2,658.
The striking design of the 24-inch M1 iMac makes it suitable for both homes and offices, and the performance and power efficiency of the M1 SoC is impressive. However, it carries a premium price tag, and you’ll need to ensure that the specification you order will cover the system’s expected lifetime, because user upgrades are not an option.
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